South Korea completes East Sea's first scientific research base

South Korea on Tuesday completed construction of the Wangdol-cho base, its first scientific research facility in the East Sea, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology announced.

The completion makes the Wangdol-cho base South Korea's fourth marine observation facility overall and extends the nation's ocean-monitoring network to the East Sea for the first time, according to the Korea Times.

The 53-meter structure sits approximately 25 kilometers east of Hupo, a port town near Uljin in North Gyeongsang Province, the Korea Times reported. Construction cost 24 billion won, about $15.8 million.

"The Wangdol-cho base, located about 25 kilometers east of Hupo, a seaside port near Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, marked the nation's fourth marine observation facility," the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology said, according to the Korea Times.

The institute added that "it was the first time that a scientific research facility was built in the East Sea."

"The facility is aimed at monitoring real-time maritime data and the meteorological environment," KIOST said.

The Korea Times first reported the facility's completion Tuesday, citing the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.